THE Definitive NFL Mock Draft: Tab's 6.0

To date, I have done five rough mock drafts that have followed the progression of the NFL's offseason, from the end of the regular season through the combine and now after a furious beginning to free agency.

There are indeed some players that have not yet been signed, and the Pro Days at various colleges could still weigh heavily on the draft, but after the flurry of trades and boatloads of money thrown at players (mostly in Washington), the clouds are starting to part and more clarity is beginning to form around the 2009 draft.

So now I take a look at where the NFL Draft will go on the first day of March, taking into account the free agent signings of each team as well as players that have been released and/or traded to date.

1. Detroit Lions

2008 Vitals: Ranked dead last in defense, allowing over 400 yards per game and over 32 points per contest. The offense brought, on average, half of the points allowed to the table (16.8 ppg), good for 27th in the NFL. They averaged half as many rushing yards on offense (83 p/gm) as they allowed (173 p/gm).

Before the 2008 season the traded the anchor of their defensive line, Shaun Rogers, to Cleveland. In the middle of the season they dealt receiver Roy Williams to Dallas for the 20th overall selection in the 2009 draft.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: CB Anthony Henry, RB Maurice Morris, CB Eric King, WR Bryant Johnson

Losses: QB Jon Kitna, DT Shaun Cody, WR Mike Furrey, RB Rudi Johnson, DE Corey Smith, SS Dwight Smith, TE Dan Campbell

They have changed their entire coaching staff.

Strengths: RB Kevin Smith & WR Calvin Johnson.

Weaknesses: Everything else. They lost all 16 games last year.

Questions

Is Daunte Culpepper the man under center for more than 2009? If so, how will they Lions keep him off his back? Will the new secondary of Henry and King make a difference for a team that gave up 250 yards/game last year? How will they pressure the quarterback? Is there anyone to play next to Ernie Simms at linebacker?

Projected Pick: Aaron Curry, LB

Why: The Lions have Culpepper signed through 2009 and invested a draft pick in Drew Stanton last year. Many people, including myself, do not think Matthew Stafford is the best overall player in this draft; some believe it's Curry, some Eugene Monroe, others Michael Crabtree.

If the Lions aren't sold on Stafford, they shouldn't take him with the top overall pick.

The Lions, also, have some weapons on offense that, with some consistency at quarterback, could score some points. But when the defense is as bad as it was in 2008, even the most conservative offensive coordinator becomes a one-dimensional pass-happy play caller when chasing 14 points after five minutes.

The Lions have the opportunity to put a premier talent opposite Sims at linebacker. With the additions of two new corners in the secondary, the Lions have already shown a commitment to stopping their opposition more in 2009 than they did last year. Curry is the right pick for Detroit.

2. St. Louis Rams

2008 Vitals: What was once the greatest show on turf spent more time watching the track meet than participating in 2008. They were 31st in defense, allowing 29 points per game last year, while scoring 14.5 per game (tied for 30th).

Mark Bulger was both hurt and benched last year, and they made a coaching change in the middle of the season.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: C Jason Brown

Losses: DT La'Roi Glover, QB Trent Green, WR Drew Bennett, OT Richie Incognito, G Mark Setterstrom, CB Ricky Manning JR

Strengths: They still have Torry Holt at receiver, but don't know what to expect around him. Stephen Jackson didn't play anywhere close to a full season last year, but has been as good as any running back when on the field healthy. Their defense is led by two good DEs, last year's first round pick Chris Long and Leonard Little.

Weaknesses: Defense. And health. And age. And coaching.

Questions

Will Orlando Pace be healthy? Will Stephen Jackson commit? Will Torry Holt be a Ram in August? Will they stop anyone? Can they score?

Projected Pick: Eugene Monroe, OT

Why: When they were the greatest show on turf, they were able to impose their will on opponents offensively. Last year, even though they had talent at skill positions, they barely topped two touchdowns per game.

By bringing in the best offensive lineman in this year's free agent class in Brown, they've put an anchor in the middle of their offensive line. But they still need to keep Bulger off his back and create holes for Jackson.

Monroe is one of a small group of solid offensive tackles in this year's draft. The Rams, in my opinion, will look to their past and see what drafting Pace meant to their offense and look to Monroe as a second coming. They'll be able to address other needs, specifically at linebacker or another quarterback, with their second-round pick.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?